Foundation Degree
Disability Sport Coaching and Development

Course fees

Tuition fee type

Cost (per annum)

Full time home/EU tuition fee:

£9,250 per annum*

Full time international tuition fee:

£14,000 per annum*

*The Department for Education (DFE) have recently announced that they intend to freeze tuition fees for the 2018/19 year. This is still subject to parliamentary approval. Once confirmed we will update our web pages accordingly.

Course type

Foundation Degree

UCAS info

Points required:
48

UCAS code: CC61

Institute code: L51

Study mode

About your course

Disability Sport Coaching and Development is a unique foundation degree course accredited by Liverpool John Moores University and delivered in partnership with Greenbank College, one of the UK's leading disability sport organisations.

A unique LJMU-accredited degree course delivered in partnership with Greenbank College, one of the UK's leading disability sport organisations

Course delivered primarily at Greenbank College, located close to Sefton Park

High demand for coaches due to investment in community and elite sport post-2012 Olympics and Paralympics

Wide range of high quality work placements and work related learning with disability sport organisations and programmes

Option to undertake specific governing body coaching awards on top of your degree

Wide range of exciting careers in community sport, private or overseas coaching, national governing bodies of sport or sport development.

Progression routes onto the final year of LJMU's BSc (Hons) Sport Coaching

Work-related learning

Opportunities for work-based learning are integrated into modules offered at both Levels 4 and 5. You will also have the opportunity to visit the workplaces of other students, and support or volunteer in the delivery of sporting events held at the Greenbank sports academy. This will enable you to experience more than one type of work place setting during your studies.

Support and guidance

Supporting you throughout your studies.

Greenbank College offers a range of student support and specialist support services. Peer group support includes email communication and blogs.

Course details

LJMU is a recognised leader in the field of Sport Development and this foundation degree is a unique course offered in partnership with Greenbank College, a leading UK disability sport organisation. All teaching and learning activities are delivered at Greenbank College, which is located close to Sefton Park, not at LJMU.

In recent years, the professionalisation and development of disability sport coaching has become a key component of government sport strategy. Coaching as a profession requires knowledge of what and how to coach and this degree will encourage you to apply theory to practice to enhance coaching performance.

If you are passionate about disability sport and want a chance to help others achieve their sporting ambitions, a foundation degree in Disability Sport Coaching and Development could be the route for you. Current demand for appropriately qualified coaches is high across a variety of settings (coaching children; participants and athletes). To be a successful coach, you need to be self-confident with strong interpersonal skills and a sense of responsibility. You also need to have an in-depth knowledge of the coaching structures within sport.

What you will study on this degree

Please see guidance on core and option modules for further information on what you will study.

Level 4

Introduction to disability sport

Strength and conditioning

Personal and professional development

Coaching process 1

Sports psychology

Coaching pedagogy

Level 5

Coaching process 2

Applying research methods

Professional practice

Strength and conditioning for coaches 2

Sports psychology 2

Paralympic sport

Further guidance on modules

The information listed in the section entitled ‘What you will study’ is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal Academic Framework review, so may be subject to change. Students will be required to undertake modules that the University designates as core and will have a choice of designated option modules. Additionally, option modules may be offered subject to meeting minimum student numbers.

Please see the programme specification document for further details on this course.

Teaching and learning

Excellent facilities and learning resources.

Teaching is via a combination of lectures, seminars, practical sessions, peer learning groups and informal tutorials where you can discuss issues and develop ideas raised in the lectures.

Your lecturers

Expert tuition and support.

The expert academic team includes:

Mark Palmer, sport development manager at Greenbank Sports Academy, and also the Programme Leader for this course. Mark has represented Great Britain at European, World and Paralympic level in table tennis, and has a keen interest in the funding of elite sport and national governing bodies.

Pete Wyman, who extensive practical experience of Inclusive Sport both as a Development Manager and as an NGB Elite Coach. Pete has been a wheelchair racing coach at 2 Paralympics and continues to coach leading Paralympians.

Cath Walker, Senior Lecturer in Sport Development, Inclusion and Women in Sport, has research interests in disability sport, inclusion and equity. She is the route leader for the Inclusion route of the Sport Development programme and the link tutor for this degree.

Milly Blundell, a Research / Teaching Assistant in Sport Development and Level 4 year tutor. An LJMU graduate, Milly's research interests focus around sport and social inclusion, specifically on gender issues and sport.

Vicci Boyd sits on the NSPCC Safeguarding in Sport Research Group and co-ordinates employability and professional development to enhance coaching practice.

Tabo Huntley has worked in high performance Paralympic sport and is undertaking a PhD in expertise in Paralympic coaches

Assessment and feedback

Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, usually a combination of exams and coursework.

Teaching on the degree uses a variety of teaching and learning methods that include practical and theoretical lectures, seminars and workshops, teaching and coaching episodes, presentations, laboratory practicals and tutorials. The assessment strategy is designed to provide a range of opportunities for you to show your developing knowledge, and understanding.

Methods of assessment vary on each module; however, there are elements of practical, written assignments, examinations, presentations and continuous assessment within most levels. Furthermore you will acquire and be assessed on your transferable skills development, including problem solving, critical thinking, teamwork and communication.

Entry requirements

Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements

Minimum points required from qualifications

48

Application and selection

Students are admitted in accordance with the University regulations. The aim is to recruit students with the potential to become knowledgeable, committed and reflective Sport personnel (i.e. leisure managers, health related fitness workers, coaches) or development officers. Applicants need to have studied Level 3 NVQ or above for a minimum of two academic years. Candidates are offered a place depending on their qualifications and experience.

Applicants for the FDA Disability Sport Coaching and Development may be required to attend an interview that includes a short oral presentation. There are a number of criteria that are applied in this situation. Candidates must have a reference from School / College / Employer that is supportive.

Candidates should normally have appropriate experience with children, young people or a specified client group that is suitable for the Sport coaching profession. The oral presentation will be on a key issue relating to a Sport related theme that indicates their ability to communicate effectively their understanding of the course for which they are applying.

The interview will focus on their understanding of Sport Development, detailed analysis of appropriate experience of sport and an examination of any previous academic background. The programme team will use their discretion in selecting candidates, but in addition to the criteria highlighted above, applicants must: Have at least two years recent and relevant experience in either paid or voluntary employement within a Sports setting.

Demonstrate the ability to understand and make use of written material and are able to communicate clearly and accurately in spoken and written English.

Mature entrants would be required to demonstrate evidence of recent study and/or relevant Vocational/work experience and a genuine interest in developing their career in the industry and ready to follow a HE level course. Mature students are encouraged to apply early in order that proper consideration and academic guidance can be given. Students must demonstrate a commitment to Sport either through vocational experience or through a history of elite sports competition.

GCSE and equivalents

Students not having GCSE English and Mathematics Grade A-C or equivalent will be encouraged to gain this within the period of the FD with the support of the programme team and the learner support network at LJMU.

A Levels

Minimum number of A Levels required:

Subject specific requirements: Any subject but the student must show a strong interest in a career within the Sporting industry

Is general studies acceptable? Yes

Are AS level awards acceptable? Yes

BTEC qualifications

BTEC certificate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications

90 credit diploma: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications

Diploma (QCF): Yes

Extended diploma (QCF): Yes

Access to Higher Education Diploma

Access to Higher Education Diploma acceptability: Yes

International Baccalaureate

International Baccalaureate: Yes

Welsh awards

Welsh Baccalaureate: Yes

Irish awards

Irish Leaving Certificate: Yes

Additional entry requirement information

Applications are assessed on the content of your personal statement and relevant experience.

Will I be interviewed?

Interview not always necessary

Can this course be deferred?

Yes

Is a DBS check required?

Yes

Is RPL accepted on this programme?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Applications for RPL will not be accepted on this programme.

Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check via NARIC.

Finance and fees

Find out more about the student funding that you may be eligible for from either LJMU or the government. This section will give you information about grants and loans as well as targeted support for students with children, adult dependants or those with a disability.

Please note that the amount of money you will receive as a student is dependent on where in the UK you normally live (i.e. England, Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland).

LJMU scholarships

LJMU's scholarships are open to all new full-time Home and EU undergraduates that are liable to pay tuition fees. These awards are not income assessed, they are based on excellence. If successful, you will be awarded a scholarship for each year of your course subject to satisfactory progress. Scholarships are worth between £1,000 and £10,000 per year. The money you receive doesn’t have to be paid back.

LJMU bursary

The LJMU bursary is automatically paid to eligible students – you do not need to apply for it. The annual bursary is £500, which works out at £1,500 over a three year degree.

LJMU bursaries are means-tested and you don’t have to pay them back; they are intended to help you meet some of the costs associated with being a student.

Tuition fees

In 2018 LJMU will charge Home and EU students a tuition fee of £9,250* for the majority of its full time undergraduate programmes and £6,935* per year for part time courses. You will be charged a fee for each year of your course. The University reserves the right to increase fees up to the maximum permitted by law or government policy in the second and subsequent years of your course. Generally, these fee increases are linked to RPIX inflation (Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments).

*Subject to parliamentary approval.

The important thing to remember is that you don't have to pay your tuition fees upfront - subject to meeting eligibility criteria, you can take out a tuition fee loan for each year of your course.

You can also take out a maintenance or living cost loan for each year of your course to cover your living expenses, such as rent and food.

You don’t start repaying your student loans until after you’ve left university and start earning at least £21,000.** Please note that the Department for Education who govern student support for students from England have recently announced it intends to increase this threshold to £25,000. This remains subject to parliamentary approval and we will update our website once further information is confirmed.

LJMU is committed to ensuring that students understand the full cost of studying at the University. Your tuition fee will cover or contribute to, as appropriate, expenses associated with your core modules, including:

safety equipment, such as lab coats and goggles

uniforms for nurses, paramedics and other professional placements

UK field trips and other educational visits

student exchanges

DBS checks (Disclosure and Barring Service – formerly CRB)

Professional sector regulatory body membership

** Repayment threshold for students normally resident in England and Wales.

Living expenses (maintenance) loan

In addition to your tuition fees, eligible full-time undergraduate students can also apply for a maintenance loan to cover your living costs. If you’re eligible, you can take out a loan for each year of your course.

The amount you’ll receive will depend on where in the UK you normally live and your household income. This money will be paid into your bank or building society account in three instalments and it’s up to you to budget for your living costs.

The government has stated that it intends to introduce a pro rata maintenance loan for part time students from England from the 2018/19 academic year.

Paying back your student loans

You only start repaying your student loans the April after you have graduated or left university and start earning £21,000* or above. Repayments are based on a percentage of your salary not how much you have borrowed from the Student Loans Company. Repayments are currently set at 9% of any income over the threshold (which is currently set at £21,000).* Please note that the Department for Education who govern student support for students from England have recently announced it intends to increase this threshold to £25,000. This remains subject to parliamentary approval and we will update our website once further information is released.

*Repayment threshold for students normally resident in England and Wales.

Career prospects

On completion of the two-year foundation degree students have adaptable and flexible career options available to them.

The degree offers employability skills , transferable skills and subject knowledge to be able to provide students with an opportunity to work in the sport industry . Many Students find employment in the sport industry in a number of organisations such as national equity organisations, national governing bodies of sport and local authorities. Students may go on to work in roles such as community sport coaching.

Students can also access the articulated route and top up BSC sport coaching programme which again provides opportunities to become sport managers and coach development officers working with national governing bodies of sport. Alternatively students may take up employment in specialist areas such as disability sport, community sport and paralympic sport.

CareerSmart programme

All students in their first year of study will have an opportunity to engage with the CareerSmart programme as an integral part of a core module of study. Once you have completed this, a wide range of other career-related provision and services will be available to support your development throughout your studies.

The new CareerSmart e-learning tool will introduce you to the steps involved in making informed choices about your career. It will enable you to consider your strengths and development areas, your career motivators, the options available to you and the necessary steps to take to achieve your career goals.

International Scholarships

Studying at LJMU offers international students excellent value for money and the opportunity to secure an internationally-respected qualification plus outstanding career prospects.

LJMU offers scholarships for international students. The provision and range of these scholarships can change from year to year so it is important that you always check the website for the most up-to-date information. The University also accepts a range of external funding, should you be awarded a scholarship or sponsorship from elsewhere.

International Foundation Year and International Year One programmes

LJMU offers international students the option of completing International Foundation Year and International Year One programmes at the University’s International Study Centre. These courses are managed and taught by Study Group, a world leader in education and training for international students. For more details on the International Study Centre, go to www.ljmuisc.com/

English language qualifications

All international applicants must have an internationally recognised English language qualification, such as IELTS (International English Language Testing Service). Your English language qualification must have been certified within the last two years for verification purposes. LJMU will accept other UKVI-recognised English language tests providing you attain the appropriate level.

This table summarises the minimum scores required by LJMU, although specific course requirements may differ depending on the programme you want to study.

English language support to improve IELTS

If your English language level does not meet the required entry requirements for your course you may still be offered a place on the condition that you successfully complete an English for Undergraduate Study course at LJMU’s International Study Centre.

Tuition fee deposits

International students are liable to pay a minimum deposit of 50% of their tuition fees before their CAS can be issued. The outstanding balance must be paid in full within 4 months of the given enrolment date.

Living Costs

When you apply for your visa or entry clearance, you will need to provide evidence of having enough money to support yourself for the duration of your programme and to pay for all of your living expenses. The good news is that the cost of living in Liverpool is one of the lowest in England, which means your money will go even further, allowing you to enjoy your student experience to the full.

In addition to academic fees, you must budget for living costs such as accommodation, food, clothing, books, local travel and entertainment. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) states that students studying outside London must have £1,015 per month for a maximum of nine months to cover their living costs.

We estimate that a single student living in LJMU-approved accommodation is likely to need an average of £5,000 to cover just their rent for a full academic year.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme Certificate (ATAS)

If you have applied to study an Enhanced Undergraduate Degree (such as an MEng) course at LJMU, you should check if you require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme or ATAS certificate.

Alternatively, contact LJMU’s International Admissions Team for guidance. It is important to note that, if required, an ATAS certificate must be obtained before your Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies can be released to you.

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

Before you can apply for permission to enter or remain in the UK under Tier 4 you will require a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies or CAS. LJMU will only assign a CAS once you have satisfied the conditions of any offer made to you and you satisfy the University’s obligations as a Tier 4 Sponsor. For more details, visit the international students section.

Your visa application

As soon as you have received an offer of a place at LJMU you should contact the Entry Clearance Office at the British Embassy, British High Commission or Consular Office in your own country to check whether you need a visa for entry into Britain. You are advised to do this as soon as you can as the visa application process can take a long time.

Please Note: To obtain an Entry Visa you should go to the British Embassy or High Commission in your own country, and present the following documents:

A declaration of your intent to return home on completion of your course of study

The University may make changes to a programme of study or module where such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Further guidance on programme changes